News w/b 28th December

News w/b 28 December

It has been a quiet couple of weeks for us, hence no news. We only had one runner, Billie Jean, and it was great to see her break her maiden well at Southwell. This was an important win for the filly as she is a half sister to the dual Guineas winner Cockney Rebel, and will now become a valuable member of owner Phil Cunningham's broodmare band.

All the fillies who had been out at grass for a couple of months came back in last week. They appear to have done well for their break and will start hacking his week, having trotted last week. Most of the older horses start cantering again this week as we begin to work towards the 2010 season. We will probably have a few runners on the All Weather during January and February, and they will mainly be unraced or lightly raced three year olds. Prime Defender is beginning his build up to his trip to the Dubai Carnival. He flies out on 17th January and there are races for him almost every week from the beginning of the Carnival. All the yearlings are cantering on the gallops now, and we continue to be very pleased with their progress. There look to be a few early sorts among them so hopefully we will hit the ground running with the two year olds at the beginning of the season.

A big thank you must go to all the staff who worked incredibly hard during the snow and freezing weather to keep the yard running normally. The horses were able to use the gallops every day, which is a testament to how professional and hard working the team is at Faringdon Place.

Finally - Happy New Year to everyone, and here's to a season as good, if not better than 2009.